An experienced sustainability researcher in both academic and non-academic settings, particularly focused on social dimensions of sustainability. A PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science on sustainable forest management from a property rights perspective. First degree from Hull University in European Studies. Postgraduate Certificate in Urban Design from University of Westminster.

 Prior to joining UEL, Paula was senior sustainable design advisor at the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, where she managed the Sustainable Places programme. She has experience working within NGOs as research director of EU and DFID-funded projects.

• Applied sustainability research, especially in the context of the built environment and natural resource management;
• The role of integrated community and sustainability perspectives in delivering positive local development;
• The role of green infrastructure in providing multiple social, environmental and economic benefits;
• Sustainable approaches to climate change adaptation.

• Investigating drivers and barriers to SMEs in London optimising the opportunities provided by sustainability and climate change agendas.
• Understanding linkages between a sustainable built environment and resilient communities.

• CABE sustainable places web resource 2008-2011
•  Vandergert P, 2009, "Sustainable cities: Creating tools for better green urban design". Conference paper for Trees and Urban Climate Adaptation: A social agenda for liveable cities. Treeworks Environmental Practice and Forestry Commission, 19 November 2009
•  Rydin Y and Vandergert P, 2006, Sustainable construction: the social science research agenda, LSE SusCon Project, London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Environmental Policy and Governance